Mental Illness is defined by Statute as "a substantial disorder of thought or mood that significantly impairs judgment behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life".  MCL 330.1400(g)  Not all mentally ill persons will qualify for involuntary treatment under the mental health code.  To be a person requiring treatment, the individual must have a Mental illness and at least one of the following factors:

• Can reasonably be expected within the near future to intentionally or unintentionally seriously harm himself/herself or another person, and who has already done so or threatened to do so

• Is unable to attend to his/her basic physical needs such as fool, clothing, or shelter;

• Is unable to understand his/her need for treatment, which may result in significant physical harm to himself/herself or to others.

MCL 330.1401

A person affected by age, epilepsy, alcoholism or drug dependence will be a person requiring treatment only if they meet one of the above requirements.  MCL 330.1401(2)

To file a petition, to have someone involuntarily committed for treatment, a person must first contact Community Mental Health at (810) 667-0500 or 1505 Suncrest Drive, Lapeer, Michigan  48446.  The social workers will assist in completing the petition for hospitalization if determined appropriate.  For a petition to be filed in Lapeer County Probate Court, the alleged mentally ill person must be either a resident of Lapeer County or presently found in Lapeer County.  The petitioner must be at least 18 years of age.  There is no filing fee associated with a Petition/Application for Hospitalization.

After the petition is filed, several things may happen before the hearing:

• Once the individual is transported to the treatment facility, another evaluation will be completed within 24 hours.  MCL 330.1429(1).  If the examining physician or psychologist does not find the person to be a "person requiring treatment," the individual will be released immediately.  MCL 330.1454(2).  If the examiner signs a Clinical Certificate, the individual will be hospitalized pending the hearing, which must be held within 7 days.

• If the patient does not have his/her own attorney, then the court will appoint an attorney to represent the patient.  MCL 330.1454(2)

• Community Mental Health will prepare an Alternative Treatment Report that the Judge will study to determine if there is a better alternative to hospitalization.  MCL 330.1453(a)

The patient has the right to an attorney, a trial by judge or jury, and an independent medical examination.  The county prosecuting attorney will present the petition at the hearing.  The patient may be brought to the courthouse by law enforcement and be present at the hearing unless he/she waives his/her presence in open court or signs a waiver in the presence of his/her attorney.

A doctor from the hospital will testify and the petitioner may be asked to testify.  At the hearing the court will decide whether the person is a "person requiring treatment."  The judge has the option of dismissing the petition or ordering up to 90 days of treatment, which may be a combination of a maximum of 60 days of hospitalization and outpatient treatment.  At the conclusion of the hearing, the family may wish to place the patient in a private facility rather than a public facility.  As the treatment time expires, the facility may file a Petition for Second or Continuing Treatment Order (PCM 218) if continued hospitalization appears necessary.  If a Petition for Second or Continuing Treatment is filed, a hearing will be necessary.